Graphcore is one of the world’s leading innovators in Artificial Intelligence compute.
It is developing hardware, software and systems infrastructure that will unlock the next generation of AI breakthroughs and power the widespread adoption of AI solutions across every industry.
As part of the SoftBank Group, Graphcore is a member of an elite family of companies responsible for some of the world’s most transformative technologies. Together, they share a bold vision: to enable Artificial Super Intelligence and ensure its benefits are accessible to everyone.
Graphcore’s teams are drawn from diverse backgrounds and bring a broad range of skills and perspectives. A melting pot of AI research specialists, silicon designers, software engineers and systems architects, Graphcore enjoys a culture of continuous learning and constant innovation.
We are seeking a Technical Lead – System Validation Architect to lead the architecture and execution of Linux-based validation frameworks for Arm-based data center SoCs. This role will define validation strategy, test coverage, and methodology across CPU, memory, interconnect, and high-speed I/O subsystems. You will provide technical leadership in validation architecture, automation, benchmarking, and debug to ensure robust system quality and scalability.
The TeamThe Systems Validation Architecture team is responsible for defining and enabling scalable validation methodologies for Graphcore’s next-generation AI compute platforms. The team collaborates closely with hardware, firmware, and systems engineering groups to deliver comprehensive validation coverage and high-quality system enablement.
Responsibilities and Duties- Define end-to-end validation strategy and coverage model:
- Functional, stress, performance, and corner-case testing
- Translate hardware specifications into structured, parameterized test plans
- Guide the team in:
- Selecting appropriate tools.
- Defining workload models and parameter configurations
- Establish standards for:
- Test case definition (parameters, metrics, pass/fail criteria)
- Result validation and reporting
- Experience with multi-core and parallel programming, including workload scaling and CPU affinity management
- Review Python-based automation, orchestration, and analysis
- Collaborate with hardware, firmware, and system teams to debug issues
Essential:
- Strong knowledge of Arm SoC architecture and Linux systems.
- 8+ years of experience in system validation, performance engineering, or low-level systems development.
- Deep understanding of CPU architecture, cache coherency, memory systems (DDR, HBM, NUMA), and high-speed I/O technologies such as PCIe.
- Proven ability to define validation strategies, coverage models, and validation methodologies.
- Hands-on experience using and tuning benchmarking tools such as stress-ng, fio, and iperf.
- Strong Python programming skills for process automation, system coordination, and data examination.
- Experience working with performance analysis software including perf and PMU counters.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and ability to collaborate in multi-functional environments.
- Experience working with large-scale or data center systems.
- Strong programming skills in C/C++ and Python for system-level development.
- Previous technical leadership or mentoring experience.
- Experience with scalable validation infrastructure and automation frameworks.
- Knowledge of AI infrastructure or hyperscale compute systems.
USA Benefits
In addition to a competitive salary, Graphcore offers flexible working and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing and financial future. Our benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), disability and life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, commuter benefits, wellness services and an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). We welcome people of different backgrounds and experiences; we're committed to building an inclusive work environment that makes Graphcore a great home for everyone. We offer an equal opportunity process and understand that there are visible and invisible differences in all of us. We can provide a flexible approach to interview and encourage you to chat to us if you require any reasonable adjustments.
Skills Required
- Strong knowledge of Arm SoC architecture and Linux systems.
- 8+ years of experience in system validation, performance engineering, or low-level systems development.
- Deep understanding of CPU architecture, cache coherency, memory systems, and high-speed I/O technologies.
- Proven ability to define validation strategies, coverage models, and validation methodologies.
- Hands-on experience using and tuning benchmarking tools such as stress-ng, fio, and iperf.
- Strong Python programming skills for process automation, system coordination, and data examination.
- Experience working with performance analysis software including perf and PMU counters.
What the Team is Saying
Graphcore Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes medical and dental insurance, with US plans through Cigna and Kaiser, HDHP options with employer‑funded HSA contributions, a health cash plan, EAP access, and dedicated mental‑health support. These provisions extend to family options in some regions, reinforcing broad medical and wellbeing support.
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Retirement Support — Retirement programs include a UK pension match up to 5% and a US 401(k) with a 100% company match up to 6% (with a true‑up). This pairing signals strong, predictable long‑term savings support across key locations.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time‑off policies feature “unlimited” holiday in the UK and flexible, generous PTO with paid US holidays. Paid family leave for birthing parents and bonding further broadens time‑away support.
Graphcore Insights
What We Do
At Graphcore, we’re building the future of AI compute. We’re a team of semiconductor, software and AI experts, with deep experience in creating the complete AI compute stack - from silicon and software to infrastructure at datacenter scale. As part of the SoftBank Group, backed by significant long-term investment, we are delivering key technology into the fast-growing SoftBank AI ecosystem. To meet the vast and exciting AI opportunity, Graphcore is expanding its teams around the world. We are bringing together the brightest minds to solve the toughest problems, in a place where everyone has the opportunity to make an impact on the company, our products and the future of artificial intelligence.
Why Work With Us
Our team is at the forefront of the machine intelligence revolution, enabling innovators from all industries to build AI-native products to expand human potential. What we do at Graphcore really makes a difference.
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Graphcore Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
At Graphcore, we value wellbeing and flexibility to support a healthy work/life balance. Our hybrid approach encourages office-based colleagues to work onsite three days a week, with trusted flexibility built on trust and transparency for everyone.
